'
"I think it better for you to walk a little way in front," suggested
the mother, "so as to warn us in time."
"The plan is a good one. I will keep in sight of you, and the minute
I see anything amiss, will make a sign, so you can stop at once."
This course was adopted. Ben carried one of the blankets flung
over his left arm as if it were an extra garment, and steadied the
heavy rifle on his shoulder with the other. As you remember, he
was tall for his years, strong, and with rugged health.
Had the weather been cooler he could have Kept up this method of
traveling for hours without fatigue; but the heat made it trying.
True, at that season of the year the foliage was dense on the trees
and shut out the sun's rays, except in the open spaces and natural
clearings which they now and then crossed; but the vegetation also
stopped whatever breeze was stirring, and obliged the members of
the party to halt many times to rest and cool themselves.
Mrs. Ripley had but few extra things to carry, and showed less
fatigue than anyone, excepting the Delaware child. The latter and
Alice walked most of the time side by side, and generally with
clasped hands. There was no use of their trying to keep their
tongues still, but they were wise enough to speak in whispers and
such soft undertones that no one else could tell what they said,
and therefore nothing was to be feared on that account from any
enemies in the neighborhood.
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